The Russian Woman

Chapter 57

Colonel Ivanov had listened to Petrov's report on the surveillance of Colonel Volkova. She had gone again to the Black Queen, where she had asked about the dissident, Sokolov. On Sunday, she'd gone to Izmailovsky Park, where her watcher had found himself following someone at a distance who looked like her. Volkova had been out of sight for almost thirty minutes. Now Ivanov and Petrov sat in a darkened viewing room, watching the surveillance recordings from General Stepanov's apartment. Petrov provided a running commentary.

"They had dinner at Turbanot, then came back to his apartment. This is footage from the bedroom, about a half hour later."

"Turbanot. I wish I could afford to eat there," Ivanov said.

They watched as Stepanov undressed and lay back naked on the bed.

"Hairy bastard, isn't he? Well equipped. The man's an ape."

"Here she comes," Petrov said.

Anya walked into the picture, dressed in a silk robe. They watched her drop it to the floor, then climb onto the bed.

"She is a beautiful woman," Ivanov said. "Hmm. Not much on foreplay, is he?"

"No, sir. He gets right to it."

"Doesn't look like she's enjoying it much."

"She's no better than a whore."

"Don't be so judgmental, Major. I doubt she has much choice in the matter. Move the recording forward. I want to see what she does after they've finished."

I'll watch it again later, Petrov said to himself.

"Yes, sir."

Petrov fast forwarded the recording until after Anya had showered and dressed. They watched her leave the bedroom. A camera in the hall recorded her going into Stepanov's study. The camera in that room showed her searching the drawers in his desk.

"That's enough," Ivanov said. "I want to know what she was looking for. Bring her in."

"She'll be in the Ministry, at work. Shall I have her brought in now?"

"Yes."

Petrov stood. "At once, sir."

Got you, you arrogant bitch, he thought.